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Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

I shot Desperado digitally in my house in 1994, which was unheard of at the time. I insisted on editing it myself because it was crucial for me to have that creative control.

Video

Robert Rodriguez: Sin City, Desperado, El Mariachi, Alita, and Filmmaking | Lex Fridman Podcast #465

@ Lex Fridman

Robert Rodriguez: Sin City, Desperado, El Mariachi, Alita, and Filmmaking | Lex Fridman Podcast #465

04/17/25

Related Takeaways

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

While editing Desperado, I was also working on From Dusk Till Dawn, cutting both movies simultaneously, which was a hectic but rewarding experience.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

I shot 'El Mariachi' in one take to save costs, expecting that some parts might not come out, but I was willing to reshoot if necessary.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

I shot 'El Mariachi' on a 16mm camera without knowing how to use it, relying on phone calls for guidance.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

I started making films with a Super 8 camera and editing on a VCR, which taught me how to edit in my head and be resourceful with what I had.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

By embracing digital technology early, I was able to create films that showcased what digital was capable of, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

I was determined to hire a real Latin actress for 'Desperado', which was challenging due to the lack of roles available for Hispanic actors in Hollywood at the time.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

Desperado was the first film to feature the slow-motion explosion walkaway scene, which became a meme by accident.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

I made Bedhead, an award-winning short film, using a windup camera, which opened my mind to making a feature film for $8,000, leading to El Mariachi.

Robert Rodriguez

04/17/25

@ Lex Fridman

In 'Sin City', I shot scenes with actors like Bruce Willis and Benicio del Toro in just a few days, demonstrating the efficiency of my shooting style.